Wimbledon news: WTA hits out at ‘discrimination’ over decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players

The WTA has echoed the comments from their men’s counterparts, the ATP, as they accused the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) of “discrimination” following their decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from Wimbledon and other grass-court events.
After Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine in February, players from Russia and Belarus can only compete as individuals at ATP, WTA and ITF events as they play under a neutral flag and with no anthems played.
However, the LTA and AELTC went a step further on Wednesday as they announced that players from the two countries will not be allowed to compete at grass-court events in the UK, including Wimbledon.
Wimbledon and LTA confirm full UK grass court ban for Russian and Belarusian players
The ATP criticised the decision, saying” “We believe that today’s unilateral decision by Wimbledon and the LTA to exclude players from Russia and Belarus from this year’s British grass-court swing is unfair and has the potential to set a damaging precedent for the game.”
And the WTA has also insisted that “individual athletes should not be penalized or prevented from competing”.
“The WTA strongly condemns the actions that have been taken by Russia and its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. We continue our humanitarian relief efforts to support Ukraine through Tennis Plays for Peace,” the full statement read.
“We are, however, very disappointed in today’s announcement by the AELTC and the LTA to ban individual athletes who are from Russia and Belarus from competing in the upcoming UK grass court events. A fundamental principal of the WTA is that individual athletes may participate in professional tennis events based on merit and without any form of discrimination. That principle is expressly set forth in our rules and has been agreed to by both AELTC and LTA. Prohibitions against discrimination are also clearly expressed in their own rules and the Grand Slam rules.
“As the WTA has consistently stated, individual athletes should not be penalized or prevented from competing due to where they are from, or the decisions made by the governments of their countries. Discrimination, and the decision to focus such discrimination against athletes competing on their own as individuals, is neither fair nor justified. The WTA will continue to apply its rules to reject discrimination and ensure that all athletes are able to compete at our Tour events should they qualify to do so, a position that until today’s announcement has been shared across professional tennis. The WTA will be evaluating its next steps and what actions may be taken regarding these decisions.”
Latest
-
French Open
Daniil Medvedev now loves playing in France
The Russian’s relationship with Paris has been a slow burner.
-
French Open
Dan Evans ‘couldn’t care less’ about being booed off
The British number two lost in straight sets to Swede Mikael Ymer,
-
French Open
Daniil Medvedev happy to grind past Serbian Laslo Djere
Daniil Medvedev was a relieved man after powering past Laslo Djere in straight sets at Roland Garros.
-
French Open
Iga Swiatek makes quick work of Alison Riske to claim 30th straight win
Iga Swiatek makes it 30 wins on the bounce after dismantling Alison Riske.
-
French Open
Wildcard Leolia Jeanjean goes from living on minimum wage to £107k payday after ousting Karolina Pliskova
Good times are here for Leolia Jeanjean.
-
Tennis News
Serena Williams and Roger Federer farewells: Will they play again? Will they go out on the big stage?
Will Serena and Roger make a big fuss?
-
ATP Tour
Novak Djokovic feels PTPA should’ve been part of Wimbledon talks ‘as players’ voices are not heard enough’
“The system has failed players so many times,” says Novak Djokovic.
-
Live Tennis
Tennis365’s live scores and results centre: Follow the French Open here
Aaaaand it’s live! Follow the action from Roland Garros…
-
Tennis News
Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic reignite bitter war of words
Nick Kyrgios let Bernard Tomic have it.
-
Tennis News
Alexander Zverev opens up about mental health struggles: ‘I think I was quite depressed at times’
Alexander Zverev on his mental health struggles and social media.